Social Work Case Manager

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with youth prior to release from custody and provide ongoing support as they transition into the community
• Conduct strengths-based assessments and develop individualized housing stabilization and transition plans
• Absorb youth in accessing stable housing, healthcare, behavioral health services, education, employment, benefits, and other essential community resources
• Coordinate care through warm handoffs and ongoing collaboration with correctional staff, probation, housing providers, behavioral health professionals, and community partners
• Provide transportation from correctional facilities to housing placements, appointments, and other supportive services as needed
• Support youth in developing independent living skills, self-advocacy, and long-term housing stability
• Maintain timely documentation, case notes, assessments, and program reporting requirements while ensuring compliance with YMCA and funding expectations
• Serve as a resource to colleagues and community partners by promoting best practices for working with justice-involved youth and young adults with complex cognitive, behavioral, or functional support needs
• Assess service needs in various settings and employ critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict management during crisis response and interventions
• Facilitate activities individually and in a group setting that promote life skill development and provide support to participants in relational wellness, positive self-concept, and gaining employment and school opportunities among other areas through case management services, workshops, and normative activities
• Create innovative ways to meet contract goals and provide a high level of service that is engaging and meets the needs of the participants
• Keep well-written, concise case notes to include all pertinent information for each participant using required tracking systems; maintain organized records and case files for all participants
• Position may require the transport of participants in a YMCA vehicle to and from activities and appointments as needed; practice non-aggressive defensive driving techniques; operate YMCA vehicles in a safe manner; vehicle use is for YMCA business only
• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage of confidential information and auditing
• Ensure that YMCA policies and procedures and applicable laws are always adhered to
• Participate in and attend all required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees
• Travel Requirements: Must have access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout San Diego County; occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social science, psychology or a related field and equivalent work experience of up to one year required
• Experience working with justice-involved youth and/or youth with specialized needs is preferred
• Experience working with youth impacted by substance use is preferred
• CADC certification or equivalent training in substance use support is a plus
• Must pass a background check (within 90 days of employment at the YMCA) through the Sheriffs and Probation Departments to access facilities
• Must be eligible to become a YMCA-certified driver to transport youth
• Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills with a trauma-informed, youth-centered approach
• Knowledge or experience of providing social work practices to individuals and families
• Basic computer knowledge and skills

Job Competencies

• Ability to practice independent judgment, critical thinking, and self-regulation skills during high stress situations
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people and populations by consistently exercising tact and good judgement
• Work independently and within a team, be flexible, adapt, and manage multiple assignments
• Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter
• Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid CA Drivers License, a good driving record, and a current CDL H6 print-out (must be dated within 30 days of application) and pass vehicle proficiency exam